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Beyonce dropped her brand new self-titled album on our unsuspecting arses recently, and wasn't it brilliant?

Instead of a flowery, pretentious title the record was simply called 'Beyonce'. An obvious choice considering her name is Beyonce and everything, but it was also fitting as it cemented her status as a true music superstar - someone who doesn't have to rely on promotion, just their name to sell. And oh boy, did she sell - nearly a million copies in three days.

It seems a self-titled album marks something in an artist's career - it's either your first body of work, a change in direction, a musical transition - or simply a monolithic statement that screams 'THIS IS ME'. 

We've taken a look at some other fantastic self-titled albums - from debut offerings by Madonna and Weezer, to game-changing moments from Metallica and The Libertines. Here are some eponymous and excellent offerings from the best artists.